and the higher speeds allow youto learn the limits of your car.”The other significantdifference between RallyCrossand RallySprint is the elementof a co-driver. While RallyCrosscompetitors often bring alongpassengers to share the fun, theyare not an integral part of theevent. Like stage rally, however,RallySprint drivers can havea co-driver in the passengerseat – a Regional option that’snot required in the rules – whonavigates for the driver.

The co-driver’s role is to “call
notes” for the driver, which is
the process of keeping the driver
informed of what lays ahead.

This allows the team to raceat speeds beyond what can beachieved visually, essentiallyoverdriving their sight lines. Asyou can imagine, this requiresexcellent communicationand trust, not only betweenteammates, but also throughcommunication equipment,specifically helmet-mountedmicrophones and headphones.Getting team communicationand its gear functioning properlytakes practice, preferablyin racing situations, makingRallySprint a great provingground. As stage rally veteranJay Mumme explains, “Sprintsare helpful for breaking in newco-drivers or getting back inrhythm after a long layoff.The co-drivers can also workon taking and calling notes. Inorder to go fast on stage, thattrust in the notes is huge.”